How to transform a bed into living room furniture

Whether you are in need of extra sleeping space on a regular basis, or just need to economize by using what you have for furniture, you should try putting a bed in the living room. Here are some ideas for transforming a bed into living room furniture.

Option 1: You can turn two beds (without headboards) into a sectional sofa by placing them in the corner of a room in an 'L' position. Make fitted slipcovers to go over the beds and down to the floor. Use a sturdy fabric like corduroy, tweed, or denim. Add large square pillows to line the walls creating the back of your 'sectional sofa'. Add bolster pillows for extra support and decorate it with smaller accent pillows.

Option 2: Turn a twin sized bed with a simple brass or wooden headboard into a chaise lounge. Use a slipcover on the piece that sweeps the floor. You can use a regular queen-sized bedspread on the single bed and attach ribbons at the corners that you can tie to get a keep it in place. Place a large pillow against the headboard and add a long bolster pillow. Pile it high with decorator pillows to create drama.

Option 3: Create an India inspired living with as little as a mattress. With the addition of jewel toned fabric, pillows, and a low table, you can have a beautiful room. Hang sheer fabric all around the room and cover the walls in the same way you would cover the windows. You can use simple curtain rods, purchase rebar poles from the hardware store, or install the fabric with thumbtacks. You should consider draping the ceiling with fabric as well. Make a fitted satin cover for the mattress by adding elastic to the corners. It should resemble a fitted sheet, only more beautiful. Add accent pillows and throw blankets made of chenille and fur. Cover floor pillows in the same decorative jewel-toned fabric. Scatter a few matching throw rugs on the floor and arrange the pillows around the low table. Cover the table with fabric and add a couple of standing floor lamps and candles. (Be careful to keep the fabric away from the candles.) You will be able to eat, sleep and play in this room. It would be perfect for a studio or starter apartment.

Option 4: Turn a regular bed into a daybed. By mounting a piece of cushioned, fabric-covered plywood to the wall behind the bed, you can mimic a daybed. This wall cushion will run along the side of your bed instead of heading the bed. You can cut the plywood into a number of shapes from a simple rectangle to a graceful arch. The same is true with the fabric. Your fabric choice will dictate how casual or formal your furniture will be. Cover the bed in the same fabric as the back cushion, and top your new sofa with lots of pillows.

By using one or a combination of these ideas, you will be able to create a bed you will be proud to call your living room furniture.